Kyokushin history uk
There are plenty of places to learn the full history of Kyokushin. Here we will give you a brief overview that is relevant to Nintai Dojo in the UK.
MAS OYAMA
Kyokushin (極真) was founded in 1960 by Korean-Japanese Masutatsu Oyama, better known as (Sosai) Mas Oyama. "Kyokushin" is Japanese for "the ultimate truth". It is a full contact style rooted in a philosophy of self-improvement, discipline and rigorous training. This form of intense training in Kihon (or basics) was based on Oyama’s own period of primarily solitary training at the age of 23 during which he overcame isolation, pain, and cold. This conditioning meant that when Oyama returned he seemed invincible so he began a tour where he fought all-comers. He won every single fight.
SOSAI
Oyama hand-picked instructors who, having achieved a level of excellence in Kyokushin, were also able to promote and popularise the style to gain new members. When Oyama chose an instructor to open a new dojo they would move to the town and demonstrate their karate skills in public places. After that, word of mouth would spread through the local area until the dojo had a dedicated core of students.
STEVE ARNEIL
Oyama also sent instructors to other countries and this included Steve Arneil who came to Great Britain. Many students, including Arneil, travelled to Japan to train with Oyama directly.
In late 1965, Arneil and Bob Boulton founded the British Karate Kyokushinkai (BKK) organisation. From 1968 to 1976, Arneil was the Team Manager and Coach for the All Styles English and British Karate team which, in 1975/76, became the first non-Japanese team to win the karate World Championship.
Hanshi (exemplary teacher) Steve Arneil is still head of the BKK and IFK.